How to Become a Better TV Reporter

Television news is one of the most demanding and competitive careers you can choose. After all there are only so many TV stations out there, and so many people who want to be reporters Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or fairly new to the job, keep the mindset that you can always learn more, and improve your work. The minute you feel like you know everything there is to know, you may as well resign, because someone who is hungry to learn will be standing by waiting to take your place.

Instructions

1. Think of yourself not as just a reporter, but a storyteller. One of the best ways to do that is to tell your news story by having a "real person" share their experiences with you. For example, if you are doing a story on, say, high gas prices then avoid just spitting out the numbers. Find someone who is really affected by all of this, possibly a truck driver or a commuter. Using this technique will set you apart from the others. Viewers are much more interested in seeing how news stories affect the average guy. Satisfy the question of "What does this mean to me?"

2. Surround yourself with a good team. You cannot do this alone, and your photographer, editor and producer are all key in making you and your story look good on air. Listen to them because all of their input is important, especially the photographer when you are in the field shooting. Remember, he or she is the one looking through that camera lens.

3. Learn to use that camera yourself, and shoot some of your own stories. It is a proven fact that a reporter who knows how to shoot and edit is going to be a better storyteller.

4. Think ahead and think outside the box. During certain times of the year, you'll inevitably see news reporters covering the same old stories. Extremely hot or cold weather, holidays, tax time--the list goes on. Plan ahead for this, and really use your imagination to come up with some different ways to cover these stories. This is your chance to really be creative and stand out! You can certainly learn from watching the "big guns" on some of the national networks. The morning show reporters are becoming especially creative these days, so learn from them.

5. Do those standups and lots of them. Sometimes TV reporters get lazy, and put together a story that is a straight Voice Over Package and you never see their face! You must attach yourself to your story. Put yourself "in" that story, even if you are also introducing it on set or in the field. Some of the best reporters will even do two or three standups, if it works in a particular situation. It helps with the flow, and also helps the viewer connect to you as the storyteller.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are interviewing someone for your story, attach a mic to them and talk to them while they are doing something while they are working or any other activity that fits into the story. They will be more relaxed this way than if you just sit them in a chair and put a camera in their face. You will get a better interview.

• Don't "over write" your news story. It's best to let your sound bites and natural sound tell it. Your job is not to write a book but to fill in the gaps where needed.

• When you are doing a live shot, don't try to memorize every word. You can use a pad for notes; many of the best reporters do. Just talk to the viewer like you would if you were sitting around the kitchen table.